The fire crackled and hissed out sparks to match those burning in Cecily's hazel eyes, gazing intently at Robin as they sat alone by the fire that evening in their new camp.

Robin recognized that look. He'd seen it before on countless feminine faces. If he were a lesser man, he knew he could take whatever he wanted from her and ease the needs of his body.

It had been so long since he'd held a woman and indulged in those singular pleasures. But that wasn't who he was. Temptation easily gave way to Honor.

There was no way Robin would lead Cecily to think there was anything between them but friendship. He made certain to maintain his polite, formal manner as he spoke to her.

"You did well today, walking as far as you did. That snakebite's not bothering you, I hope."

Cecily had refused to let that stinking brute, Little John, carry her while the "gang" moved its camp. Unhappily, she had trudged along on foot, slowing down the outlaws, but she had covered more miles than any of them had believed possible. And thanks to the excellent boots, her feet were only a bit sore. But she didn't want to talk about walking, or snakebite.

"Who would have thought, years ago, when we danced together at the King's Court, that we'd be hiding out in the forest now?" she asked wistfully. "Do you remember those magnificent feasts, Robin, with hundreds of candles and musicians, and how well we danced? You used to say the most charming things to me!"

"I was only trying to be gallant," he replied. "You ladies were gracious to accept my poor flattery so kindly."

Cecily had obviously enjoyed those banquets more than he had. He remembered he'd spent his time at them dreaming of the day when he'd be able to bring Marian to them, as his wife.

His heart ached now, thinking of Marian, and the rift between them. Why had she gone to Locksley to breakfast with Gisbourne? Why would she encourage that monster in his pursuit of her? And what had she called himself again? A scurvy outlaw?

"Did you hear me, Robin?" Cecily's voice broke in on this thoughts. "I was saying you are being very unkind now, admitting to flattery. I always believed you sincere in the past! But you seem miles away. What are you thinking?"

"Forgive me," he answered, unhappily. "I was only remembering something that happened earlier today."

"Do you mean when you rescued that boy from drowning? Or when you gave away money to the poor? Your days are filled with good works, aren't they, Robin? It's no wonder the people love you so."

He lifted his eyes to meet hers, preferring the look of admiration he found there to their earlier, longing gaze. "Thank you," he said, truly touched by her remarks. "It means so much to me to be able to help."

Cecily's heart began to flutter and her mouth went dry as she held his vivid blue gaze. "The poor aren't the only ones who love you, you know," she confessed.

Too late, she realized her admission had broken the spell. Robin's guard, together with its formal manner, returned.

"Cecily," he began.

"Sess."

"Sess." He sighed. "I thank you for your regard for me. I really do. But there can never be more between us than friendship. If I led you to believe any differently by kissing you, I am truly sorry."

He really did look grieved for her, Cecily realized. He was a good man, an honorable knight, so skilled and dashing and handsome. Marian, with her scorn towards him, did not deserve him!

Well, Marian wasn't here, and she was! She'd conquer those longings in his heart for Lady Marian! Even if she had to empty her boots every morning of snakes, and endure dirty nails and the vile company of ruffians, whores, and Saracens.

The sound of Maggie raising up a fit of giggles broke Robin's sincere mood. He leaned back on the fallen log, wearing an amused smirk.

Allan obviously didn't share Robin's scrupples towards honoring the fairer sex. Well, at least one of them could enjoy himself tonight without a troubled conscience.

"Are you alright?" Robin asked Cecily, concerned lest his words had hurt her.

"Other than sore feet, you mean?" she asked in a laughing tone. She felt it wise to belittle her feelings for him, so as not to frighten him away. "I'm fine."

"Good." He smiled at her kindly. "It's late, and we have a lot of work to do tomorrow. Goodnight, Sess. Thank you for being so brave, putting up with our rough ways."

"It's only temporary. I'm more than grateful to you for rescuing me, Robin. But I do look forward to sleeping under a roof, in an actual bed again."

"I'll see what I can do about that," he promised, giving her a nagging worry that he'd send her away.

What would she do? She didn't want to stay, yet she felt that was the only way she could win him. He was too good a prize to forgo. If she had to, she'd refuse to leave, and actually become an outlaw herself, then pray fervently for King Richard's hasty return.

...

Robin couldn't sleep.

Knighton Hall, sheltering his beloved Marian within its walls, seemed so close, yet so very distant while Marian hated him.

Scanning his gang to make certain they all slept, he rose from his makeshift bed on the ground and let his feet lead him away.

He had to see Marian tonight. He had to find out her reason for visiting Gisbourne, and know once and for all where her heart stood.

Without, of course, betraying his own heart to her. That was one thing his pride could not risk.

His feet fairly flew through the forest as he ran towards Knighton.